After 25 years, Bad Religion continues to challenge the status quo. The L.A. punk veterans are currently rushing summer stages as a part of the annual Vans Warped Tour (their fourth festival appearance to date), previewing choice cuts from their forthcoming studio long-player, New Maps of Hell, so thirsty punk die-hards, unite! On “New Dark Ages,” the SoCal legends don’t forget to foreshadow impending doom, as usual. Chugging guitar riffs, soaring harmonies, and Bad Religion’s quick-stepped delivery instantly bring you into their vision of an imminent apocalypse. But unlike their previous politico memorandums, which blend skepticism with a hint of idealism (like in the blatantly hopeful ‘You’ve Got A Chance’), the band completely disregards any glimpse of hope (however small) in favor of ominous lyrics such as “Welcome to the new dark ages / I hope you’re living right / Welcome to the new dark ages / And the world might end tonight.” It’s nice to see that Bad Religion hasn’t lost their touch. New Maps of Hell — their 14th album to date and their follow up to 2004’s The Empire Strikes First — charts new territory via Epitaph July 10th. NICHOLAS MILLS
Now Hear This:
Bad Religion – “New Dark Ages” DOWNLOAD MP3
On the Web:
Bad Religion at MySpace
Bad Religion at Epitaph
Talk: Are you ready to head into the “New Dark Ages” with Bad Religion?
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